If the Germans had captured Leningrad after an initial push in 1941, would they have even gone for Stalingrad in 1942? Given the proximity of Moscow, and that Leningrad was an important port city, this would lend itself to be a position that the Russians would want to defend at all costs. Would the German forces have committed to a battle that was not definite victory? It seems that a massive assault would be a bit risky...

Of course I am only playing the Devil's Advocate. You raise a very important point about the battle turning into a WWI-style Battle of Attrition. These forces, of course, could have been put to use if victory had been achieved. In terms of demoralizing, Stalingrad takes the take. But In terms of a more important strategic battle…it is close. What do others think?


[ 23 June 2001: Message edited by: USMA03 ]